The Nordheims, an American family, return to their roots, and move back into their old family cabin in the Norwegian Mountains. But there's a 'little surprise waiting for them... the Norwegian Barn elves, nasty gnome-like Santas, who will turn the family's life into hell. To survive them the rules are simple: no bright lights, no loud noises, and never forget to put out a bowl of porridge on Christmas Eve, or else, a bloody struggle for survival ensues.